Baby Support Arrangement

ABSTRACT

A device for supporting an infant, the device comprising: a support arrangement and a holding arrangement, the support arrangement being configured to support the holding arrangement at a distance above a surface on which the support arrangement rests, the holding arrangement having a main aperture formed there through and a first engagement arrangement; and first and second inserts that may be interchangeably engaged with the holding arrangement, herein when each of the inserts is engaged with the first engagement arrangement, the legs of the infant may pass through the main aperture and the weight of the infant may be substantially supported by the insert.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to baby walkers, and more specifically to baby walkers being adaptable to suit babies and infants of differing sizes.

Known baby walkers include a support which is adapted to fit around a baby or infant's body and hold the baby or infant generally upright with its feet resting at or near the floor. The support has two apertures formed therethrough to allow the thighs of a baby to be accommodated whilst the baby is seated, and is supported by a series of legs.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved baby walker.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for supporting an infant, the device comprising: a support arrangement and a holding arrangement, the support arrangement being configured to support the holding arrangement at a distance above a surface on which the support arrangement rests, the holding arrangement having a main aperture formed therethrough and a first engagement arrangement; and first and second inserts that may be interchangeably engaged with the holding arrangement, wherein when each of the inserts is engaged with the first engagement arrangement, the legs of the infant may pass through the main aperture and the weight of the infant may be substantially supported by the insert.

Advantageously, the first and second inserts are formed to support different regions of the infant's body.

Preferably, the first insert has an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge forming an inner aperture smaller than the main aperture, the first insert further having a second engagement arrangement adapted to engage the first engagement arrangement, and when the second engagement arrangement engages the first engagement arrangement the inner aperture overlies the main aperture.

Conveniently, the second insert has an outer rim and a support element extending between two regions of the outer rim, defining first and second thigh apertures on either side of the support element, the second insert further having a third engagement arrangement adapted to engage the first engagement arrangement, and when the third engagement arrangement engages the first engagement arrangement the first and second thigh apertures both lie within the main aperture, when viewed along an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the main aperture.

Advantageously, the support arrangement comprises a base ring which is attached to the holding arrangement.

Preferably, the main aperture formed through the holding arrangement is substantially oval-shaped.

Conveniently, the first insert is a ring-shaped cushion.

Advantageously, the second insert is a flexible sheet.

Preferably, the engagement arrangements are clip mechanisms.

Conveniently, the support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein a detachable section of the ring may be removed to leave a gap in the ring.

Advantageously, the holding arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein a detachable section of the ring may be removed to leave a gap in the ring.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a device for supporting an infant, comprising a support arrangement which supports a holding arrangement, the holding arrangement comprising a main aperture through which the legs of an infant may pass so that the infant is fully supported by the holding arrangement, wherein a detachable section of the holding arrangement or of the support arrangement may be removed and supported on a surface so that a part of the detachable section lies at a distance above the surface, and a plurality of infant's play items may be attached to the detachable section.

Conveniently, the play items may be attached to the detachable section so that they hang from the detachable section towards the surface.

Advantageously, the detachable section is arcuate.

Preferably, the detachable section comprises a series of attachment sites to which the play items may be attached.

Conveniently, the attachment sites are not involved in the support and retention of an infant by the device.

Advantageously, the infant's play items are not involved in the support and retention of an infant by the device.

Preferably, at least some of the infant's play items are detachable from the attachment sites.

Conveniently, the device further comprises a standing arrangement which can be used to hold the detachable section in position when it is resting on the surface.

Advantageously, the standing arrangement comprises at least one removable leg which may be attached to the detachable section.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a device according to the above in combination with a plurality of infant's play items which may be attached to the detachable section.

Preferably, the holding arrangement or support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and the detachable section comprises a section of the ring.

A further aspect of the invention provides a device for supporting an infant, comprising a support arrangement which supports a holding arrangement, the holding arrangement comprising a main aperture through which the legs of an infant may pass so that the infant is fully supported by the holding arrangement, with the feet of the infant resting on or near a surface on which the device rests, a detachable section of the support arrangement being removable, the arrangement being such that, prior to removal of the detachable section, when an infant supported by the holding arrangement and oriented in a certain direction with respect to the holding arrangement takes strides of a first length, the feet or legs of the infant will contact the detachable section and, following removal of the detachable section, the infant may take strides of the first length without the feet or legs of the infant contacting the support arrangement.

Conveniently, the support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein the detachable section comprises a section of the ring.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a baby walker embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the holding arrangement of the baby walker of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a part of the baby walker of FIG. 1 in use as a baby gym;

FIG. 4 shows a shaped cushion for use with a baby walker; and

FIG. 5 shows an insert having two apertures formed therein, for use with a baby walker.

With reference to FIG. 1, a baby walker 40 is provided, comprising a ring-shaped support portion 1 that may take a circular or oval shape, or any other convenient shape, which may be an ergonomic shape to fit the body of a baby or toddler. The support portion 1 is provided on a support arrangement, in this case a base ring 2, which is preferably larger than the support portion 1 and is positioned generally below the support portion 1. The base ring 2 may have wheels or castors on its underside to allow easy movement of the baby walker 40. The wheels may be provided with a suitable braking arrangement.

The support portion 1 and base ring 2 are supported with respect to one another by two pairs of crossed struts 10, the pairs of struts 10 being provided on generally opposite sides of the baby walker 40. The struts 10 are preferably of sufficient length to allow the feet of a baby or toddler to lie at or near the floor when the baby or toddler is supported by the baby walker 40. The use of struts of this kind is not essential, and any other suitable arrangement for holding the support portion 1 in place may be used.

The support portion 1 preferably has a detachable section 13, which comprises a part of the ring shape of the support portion 1. The detachable section 13 may be releasably attached to the remainder of the support portion 1, for instance by clips. The detachable section 13 is preferably arcuate. Conveniently, the detachable section 13 comprises a section which is around a quarter of the circumference of the support portion 1, and does not have any legs or struts connecting the detachable section 13 to the base ring 2. In the embodiment described above, where two pairs of crossed struts 10 are used, the detachable section preferably comprises a part of the support portion 1 that generally lies between the two pairs of struts 10. Preferably, the detachable section 13 comprises a section that is between 10 and 50 percent of the circumference of the support portion 1. More preferably, the detachable section 13 comprises a section that is between 20 and 40 percent of the circumference of the support portion 1.

In preferred embodiments, the base ring 2 also has a detachable section 16 which may be releasably attached to the remainder of the base ring 2. Advantageously, the detachable section 16 of the base ring 2 is generally aligned with the detachable section 13 of the support portion 1.

The support portion 1 defines a main opening 3 which passes through the support portion 1, and which is preferably substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the support portion 1. The main opening 3 may however take a different shape to that of the outer shape of the support portion 1, and may take a shape that is ergonomically suited to a baby or toddler.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main opening 3 has an inner surface 23 which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring shape of the support portion 1, and a contact surface 24 which is a bevelled surface set at an angle between the inner surface 23 and the top surface 4 of the support portion 1.

Use of the baby walker 40 at different stages of a child's development will now be discussed.

In a first mode, the detachable section 13 of the support portion 1 may be removed, and a pair of legs 21 may be inserted into the open ends of the detachable section 13, to allow the detachable section 13 to rest on a floor or other surface and form an upstanding arch, as shown in FIG. 3. The legs 21 may take any suitable form, and in the depicted example have a plug 22 which fits into one open end of the detachable section 13, and a generally triangular portion 23 which is wider at its lower end than the plug 22, and which contacts the floor.

Provided on the inner surface 23 of the detachable portion 13 are a series of attachment sites 25, which may take any suitable form, such as wire loops. The attachment sites 25 could also take the form of fabric hook-and-eye fastenings, poppers, clips, or any other fastenings.

Play items 17, 18, 37, 38 are suspended from the attachment sites 25, so that a baby lying under the support portion 1 may play and interact with the items 17, 18, 37, 38. Play items may include, for instance, a bear 18 and a rubber duck 37. It is preferred that the play items are detachable and interchangeable, so that alternative play items 17, 18, 37, 38 may be attached, dependent on the age and sex of the baby.

Alternatively, the detachable section 13 may be configured to support a hanging arrangement including a length of chain, string or wire, or a more rigid structure, on which play items can be suspended. A skilled person will readily appreciate how this may be arranged.

In this first mode, the detachable section 13 functions as a baby gym, to amuse and entertain a baby or young child who is placed under the play items. It should be understood that the detachable section 16 of the support ring 2 could be used as an alternative to, or as well as, the detachable section 13 of the support portion 1 to function as a baby gym.

In a second mode, the detachable section 13 is re-attached to the main part of the support portion. An insert 5, 6 may be affixed to the support portion 1, making contact with the contact surface 24 and/or the top surface 4 and the contact surface 24, so that the insert 5, 6 sits either in or above the opening 3, and allowing the thighs or waist of a baby to pass through the insert 5, 6 and the opening 3. Two different such inserts are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5

The first insert 5 is a ring-shaped cushion 5, and grips the waist of a baby or toddler. The ring-shaped cushion 5 may be circular or oval-shaped, or any other convenient shape, and may take an ergonomic shape to fit the waist of a baby. The outer shape of the cushion 5 preferably fits the interior shape of the opening 3 in the support portion 1. FIG. 4 shows outer 11 and inner 12 edges of the cushion 5. The outer edge 11 makes contact with the contact surface 24 or inner surface 23 of the opening 3.

The second insert 6 comprises a generally planar, flexible element 6 set within a rigid outer ring, and has two apertures 8, 9 formed in it to accommodate the thighs of a baby or toddler. The flexible element 6 may be circular or oval-shaped, or any other convenient shape, and may take an ergonomic shape to fit the thighs and upper legs of a baby. Additionally, the apertures 8, 9 may be circular or oval-shaped, or shaped ergonomically to fit the thighs of a baby. The outer shape of the flexible element 6 preferably fits the interior shape of the opening 3 in the support portion 1. FIG. 5 shows the flexible element 6, and identifies the outer edge 31 and top surface 10 of the flexible element 6. The outer edge 31 makes contact with the contact surface 24 or inner surface 23 of the opening 3.

It is envisaged that younger children will use the second insert 6, as they require additional support to hold them in place as they learn to walk. Older or more advanced children will use the first insert 5, which allows more freedom of movement and provides less support.

The inserts 5, 6 may be removed and replaced interchangeably as necessary—as an infant grows and develops, the insert 5, 6 may be changed to suit the size and walking ability of the baby or toddler.

In a third mode of operation of the baby walker 40, the detachable section 16 of the base ring 2 may be removed. When a child becomes more advanced and can take large steps, it has been found that the child's feet or legs may knock against the base ring of a baby walker, and so removing the detachable section 16 allows the child's feet to perform a greater range of motion. It is preferred that, when the detachable section 16 of the base ring 2 is removed, the child will then be oriented in the baby walker 40 so that the child is facing directly away from the space left by the removal of the detachable section 16, so that the child's heels may move into the space at the limit of the backswing of the child's legs.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention provide a versatile and adaptable baby walker that may be used effectively at several different stages of a child's development.

In this specification, elements are described as having a ring configuration. It should be understood, however, that these elements need not necessarily be curved, and may take the form of generally straight elements which meet each other at angled joints or bends.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. 

1. A device for supporting an infant, the device comprising: a support arrangement and a holding arrangement, the support arrangement being configured to support the holding arrangement at a distance above a surface on which the support arrangement rests, the holding arrangement having a main aperture formed therethrough and a first engagement arrangement; and first and second inserts that may be interchangeably engaged with the holding arrangement, wherein when each of the inserts is engaged with the first engagement arrangement, the legs of the infant may pass through the main aperture and the weight of the infant may be substantially supported by the insert.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second inserts are formed to support different regions of the infant's body.
 3. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first insert has an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge forming an inner aperture smaller than the main aperture, the first insert further having a second engagement arrangement adapted to engage the first engagement arrangement, and when the second engagement arrangement engages the first engagement arrangement the inner aperture overlies the main aperture.
 4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second insert has an outer rim and a support element extending between two regions of the outer rim, defining first and second thigh apertures on either side of the support element, the second insert further having a third engagement arrangement adapted to engage the first engagement arrangement, and when the third engagement arrangement engages the first engagement arrangement the first and second thigh apertures both lie within the main aperture, when viewed along an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the main aperture.
 5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the support arrangement comprises a base ring which is attached to the holding arrangement.
 6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main aperture formed through the holding arrangement is substantially oval-shaped.
 7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first insert is a ring-shaped cushion.
 8. A device according to claim 4, wherein the second insert is a flexible sheet.
 9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement arrangements are clip mechanisms.
 10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein a detachable section of the ring may be removed to leave a gap in the ring.
 11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the holding arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein a detachable section of the ring may be removed to leave a gap in the ring.
 12. A device for supporting an infant, comprising a support arrangement which supports a holding arrangement, the holding arrangement comprising a main aperture through which the legs of an infant may pass so that the infant is fully supported by the holding arrangement, wherein a detachable section of the holding arrangement or of the support arrangement may be removed and supported on a surface so that a part of the detachable section lies at a distance above the surface, and a plurality of infant's play items may be attached to the detachable section.
 13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the play items may be attached to the detachable section so that they hang from the detachable section towards the surface.
 14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the detachable section is arcuate.
 15. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the detachable section comprises a series of attachment sites to which the play items may be attached.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the attachment sites are not involved in the support and retention of an infant by the device.
 17. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the infant's play items are not involved in the support and retention of an infant by the device.
 18. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein at least some of the infant's play items are detachable from the attachment sites.
 19. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising a standing arrangement which can be used to hold the detachable section in position when it is resting on the surface.
 20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the standing arrangement comprises at least one removable leg which may be attached to the detachable section.
 21. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 20 in combination with a plurality of infant's play items which may be attached to the detachable section.
 22. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the holding arrangement or support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and the detachable section comprises a section of the ring.
 23. A device for supporting an infant, comprising a support arrangement which supports a holding arrangement, the holding arrangement comprising a main aperture through which the legs of an infant may pass so that the infant is fully supported by the holding arrangement, with the feet of the infant resting on or near a surface on which the device rests, a detachable section of the support arrangement being removable, the arrangement being such that, prior to removal of the detachable section, when an infant supported by the holding arrangement and oriented in a certain direction with respect to the holding arrangement takes strides of a first length, the feet or legs of the infant will contact the detachable section and, following removal of the detachable section, the infant may take strides of the first length without the feet or legs of the infant contacting the support arrangement.
 24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the support arrangement comprises a substantially continuous ring, and wherein the detachable section comprises a section of the ring.
 25. A device for supporting an infant substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
 26. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings. 